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Post subject: I need help with a first guitar choice
Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 11:26 am
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Ok so I know all of you have had these questions before. "Which starter guitar is best for me? How much should I spend?" But I gotta ask some of these types of questions before I get something I am not going to be happy with.

I have read up on many of the differences in the guitars and found out that, for the type of sound I want and for my price range, Squier is the way to go. I like the SRV and John Mayer bluesy sound, but I also want to be able to rock a bit if I get in the mood.

My choices are between Affinity Fat $180, the Standard Strat $230, Jagmaster $280, or something else...?

There are many different reasons why I am having so much difficulty in my choice, but mainly all of them revolve around price. That being said, here are a few of my questions about the different models:

Body Wood.
The Affinity and Jagmaster both sport an alder wood body while the Standard has an agathis body. I have read that the alder body is the way to go, but is it by enough to rule out the Standard?

Neck and Fingerboard Wood:
Maple Vs Rosewood...? I I have read that maple is a better all-around wood for a guitar. But I think I am missing something greatly important here.

Nut Width:
The nut width on both Jagmaster and the Standard is at 42, whereas the Affinity is at 41. Does this make a difference in the playability, especially being a newbie?

Pick-ups:
The affinity and the Standard both have the hss option available, while the Jag is a double humbucker. Also, I'm not really sure about the quality of the pick-ups on the three guitars, but I'm thinking this might be where the main difference must be.

Right now I think I am leaning towards the standard to give myself a good starter guitar that I will be happy with for a few years down the road until I am ready to move to something better. But until then, please give me your thoughts!


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Post subject: Re: I need help with a first guitar choice
Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:35 pm
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Yes, I think a Classic Vibe Strat or Tele would be a better choice than the ones you have listed. No need to upgrade pickups or anything for that matter. They are loved by many.


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Post subject: Re: I need help with a first guitar choice
Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2011 10:38 am
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Joined: Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:49 pm
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I'd have to agree with allroypa1, but honestly jagmasters aren't that bad from what I hear and squier is coming out with a jaguar and jazzmaster in that price range. But honestly if you want to spend a few extra bucks on a Classic Vibe go for it. They're great guitars I own the Duo Sonic and it hasn't let me down once and the Classic Vibe strats are just as good.

Oh and of course no matter what guitar you choose have fun.


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Post subject: Re: I need help with a first guitar choice
Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:41 pm
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Being totally new to guitar I will say that my choice was a Classic Vibes 50 strat. Where I am in Canada, its about 300 bucks new. And although a tad pricey for a starter guitar, from everything Ive read and heard and seen in reviews and such, they are solid guitars. Pick ups are good, and really for the price, they are just great. Of course, you need to head to a shop and play around with one, but still. As far as nut width, I think the difference is so small its non issue, but some perfer a larger nut. Its preference. Maple Vs Rosewood, well I dont know if/how it affects sound, but since we are both new, and our ears are still quite untrained I highly doubt its an issue we should be bothered by. I actually chose the 50's vibe over the CV 60's just because I like a Maple Fret Board look better. Both sounded good, but I couldnt hear a difference between Alnico 3/5 pick ups, so Its purely aesthetic reason.

If I were you, other than a CV, id take a Standard. Ive read the affinitys are hit and miss, and know nothing of the others.


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Post subject: Re: I need help with a first guitar choice
Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:14 pm
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:58 pm
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I don't think you will ever hear the difference between rosewood and maple but blues players usually choose rosewood. The nut width really doesn't matter much at first and the closer string spacing will be better for large chords and good practicing scales (although probably more difficult at first). I think a standard strat shape is more comfortable than most guitars. The strat pickup configuration allows you to have either a single or dual at the bridge (bridge and middle or neck and middle) which gives you a humbucker effect. I like the brighter sound of the singles compared to cheap humbuckers. Obviously the better the quality the better the sound regardless of type.

Alder is a very good quality wood and only second to ash as far as staining and finish. I don't know much about the other wood but if it is in my Korean then it's heavy and not much brightness or sustain. But still for a starter/practice guitar it doesn't really matter.

Good luck and start playing. Learn some simple songs, take lots of breaks to rest your fingers. Stretch and go back at it again. It will be a while before you feel proficient so don't get disappointed the first day. Keep at it.

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